Kadant provides advanced rotary joint, rotary union, and expansion joint technologies to the power generating industry that ensure efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability in boilers, cooling circuits, turbines, ducting, and piping networks.
Our portfolio includes rotary joints and unions to ensure reliable transfer of steam, water, or thermal oil from stationary piping to rotating vessels, fabric expansion joints for gas turbine and boiler flue gas applications, rubber expansion joints for cooling water and auxiliary systems, PTFE expansion joints for highly corrosive environments, and metal bellows expansion joints for large generators operating under extreme temperatures and pressures. Desuperheaters play a vital role in the power generating industry by precisely controlling and reducing steam temperature, ensuring optimal thermal efficiency, protecting turbines and downstream equipment, and maintaining safe, reliable operation across high-pressure steam systems.
By combining robust rotary joint, rotary union, and expansion joint designs with engineered fluid-handling solutions, power plants can achieve greater process efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, improved safety, and compliance with emissions standards across fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable energy facilities.
RX® Rotary Union
The RX rotary union delivers dependable performance in power generating facilities, supporting water and thermal oil service. Featuring a balanced mechanical seal and precision bearing support for smooth, high-load operation, it provides corrosion-resistant sealing through its stainless-steel construction and extended bearing life design. Offered in single and dual flow configurations, with optional fully stainless-steel ATEX-certified versions for hazardous environments, this robust solution provides long-lasting, reliable fluid transfer in mission-critical power production operations.
SX® Rotary Joints
The SX rotary joint is a robust sealing solution for steam and thermal oil systems in power generating facilities, serving rotating equipment associated with boilers, cooling circuits, turbine support systems, and heat recovery units. Featuring an optimized seal diameter, a convex seal ring, and maximum carbon guide separation, it provides stable alignment, extended wear life, and dependable leak resistance in high-temperature applications. With through-flow and dual-flow configurations capable of operating up to 550 RPM and 650° F (343° C), and adjustable syphon clearance for improved condensate control, the SX rotary joint ensures reliable thermal transfer performance.
ELSX™ Rotary Joints
The ELSX rotary joint provides next-generation, self-supported sealing for steam and thermal oil systems used in boiler operations, turbine auxiliary systems, and various other applications. Built to withstand high pressures, rapid rotational speeds, and persistent vibration, its enhanced durability supports greater reliability, longer maintenance intervals, and consistent thermal performance in heavy-duty power generation environments.
Multi-Passage Rotary Unions
Kadant multi-passage (MP) rotary unions provide the precise fluid management required for the complex hydraulic systems that drive Kaplan turbine operation in hydroelectric power plants. Designed to support simultaneous transfer of multiple hydraulic circuits, MP rotary unions enable accurate control of both runner blade pitch and wicket gate positioning under continuous rotation. Their robust, corrosion-resistant construction ensures reliable sealing performance in the high-moisture, high-load environments typical of hydropower facilities. With customizable passage configurations, high-pressure capability, and long service life, Kadant MP rotary unions help optimize turbine responsiveness, improve energy output, and enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of Kaplan turbine systems.
Expansion Joints and Flexible Metal Hoses
Kadant expansion joints and flexible metal hoses are essential components in the steam, condensate, and process piping systems that support the power generation industry. Found in various locations throughout the production process, expansion joints manage thermal expansion, vibration, and equipment movement under high-temperature and pressure conditions. They absorb thermal growth, reduce system stress, and prevent leaks in pipelines carrying steam, condensate, and exhaust gases. Flexible metal hoses compensate for misalignment and movement between critical equipment. Together, they ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of process piping systems, extending equipment life and improving production uptime.
